The belgrad forest, near Bahcekoy, is pretty good for those of you who like to take a stroll at the weekends. There are various walks (longest 6kms), of differing lengths with clearly marked paths which are not muddy in the winter. There are even places set up for exercises such as pull-ups, push-ups, steps and other methods of self-abuse. Entrance to the forest is 6YTL and for those interested in things watery you can see some of the old water system that supplied the aquaduct into Istanbul.

It's also a good place for the runners on here, if you fancy a change from breathing in the fumes along the bos.

The only thing that lets the place down is the cafe. A toasted cheese sandwich and a glass of tea is 8YTL, which is a bit of a rip-off, but then they have no competition. If you go along take a flask and crustless cucumber sandwiches for sustanance.

To get there, follow the main road past Maslak, towards Sariyer, take a left turn at the 4th or 5th traffic lights, toward Kilyos. Follow that road until the first Village (about 5kms) and after following the road to the right you come to a wide avenue (just after the aquaduct). At the end of this road you can turn right into Bahcekoy or go straight on (here the road becomes much smaller). Go straight on and at the end of the road is the entrance to the forest. Just after the entrance there is a fork in the road, take the left fork and drive until you come into the main parking area.

(Disclaimer: These directions are as accurate as I can make them, I am not liable for any person getting lost and starving to death as a result.)

Glad you like it, David. In fact I can see you there now in you all in one luminescent thermal bodystocking (nike sponsored of course). Yes, we (the runners) love it. Softish ground and km markers.

Agree about the cafe though. Much better to get some brunch back in Istanbul (e.g. Yenikoy or Rumeli). When did you last go? Last time we went before Christmas they were building a new restaurant which we had high hopes for.

I am sure that Jonathan will correct any directional mistakes.

No, I want everybody to get lost. it is so packled now when the weather is good, that you can hardly see the forest for the BBQ.

If you go on Saturday/Sunday mornings however, there is a high chance you see some of us running.

I didn't realise the runners already knew about the place. I was there last Sunday (walking I might add, as running tends to make me drop my cigarettes) and yes, it was quite busy, but that's the price to be paid for Istanbul not having so many nice green public spaces free of traffic. The restaurant is still under construction and looks as though it might not be ready for another couple of months. I'm sure the wife will drag me there every couple of weeks (she thinks I need the exercise as I get out of breath breathing) so I'll keep you posted on when it opens.


If you go on Saturday/Sunday mornings however, there is a high chance you see me sitting down and enjoying a cigarette.

You'll see us there with our dog most Saturday mornings. Great place for all of us to get a bit of exercise (and the dog absolutely LOVES it!). It's about a 15-20 minute drive from Etiler on the weekend mornings, and the perfect place for a break from the city.

Just a little aside, we used to go to the area off to the right (first right after the main entrance, down by a smaller lake). It's much quieter there, and we didn't have to worry about the dog annoying those canine-fearing types. Anyway, one morning we took a small trail up into the woods, and, about 20 minutes in, we passed a disshelved looking man, mumbling to himself (rather loudly actually). As we got close, we could see he was holding a knife out to his side. Kind of scary situation (was sure somebody was going to get stabbed). It all ended okay, but we've been a bit uncomfortable since about using the quiet trails. Definitely wouldn't recommend that part of the forest to any women on their own.

Still worth going! Look for us if you're out there on the weekends.

(;
Kiki, Stephen and Bailey (the dog)
p.s. runners tend to go quite early. Head out there for 10:30ish and it's not too bad.